Often considered the tropical paradise of the Atlantic, the Bahamas is an archipelago chain consisting of over 700 small islands and cays. The islands offer pristine beaches, serene turquoise water, and a thriving flora and fauna.
The Bahamas is known for being the perfect tropical getaway, attracting millions of tourists each year. Let’s look at 10 of the most interesting places to visit and exciting things to do in this Atlantic archipelago.
10 Best Places to Visit in the Bahamas
Nassau
You can start the retreat from the capital of the Bahamas itself, Nassau. Nassau City is known for its history and untainted natural beauty. Almost all major airlines fly into the Lynden Pindling International Airport, located in the heart of Nassau.
Nassau is one of the more crowded destinations in the Bahamas. As a result, the vibrant straw market and the cable beach attract tourists from different countries around the world. From vibrant parties to late-night shenanigans, Nassau has it all. To explore the historic side of things, head over to Fort Charlotte.
Accommodation in Nassau will range between 150 to 400 USD per night, depending on the guesthouse or luxury resort.
Nassau, The Bahamas
Paradise Island
Paradise Island is just like its name suggests. The island is connected to Nassau by a bridge, and tourists can easily hop to it either using a taxi or the local bus. Paradise Island is home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort and Casinos.
Being a somewhat upscale island retreat, accommodation costs on Paradise Island are on the higher side. Expect to pay around 200 to 600 USD for a night’s stay in any of the luxury resorts available on the island.
Other than the Atlantis resort, there is the Aquaventure water park, marine adventures at The Dig, and the beach retreat at Cabbage Beach.
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Exuma Cays
Exuma Cays is often dubbed "the Maldives of the Atlantic." It is situated on the southeastern end of Nassau. The Exuma Cays are made up of several collections of islands with the proverbial turquoise waters. The beaches are secluded from each other, with some being so remote that tourists can book an entire island for a stay.
The easiest way to get to Exuma Cay is through a short flight or boat ride from Nassau. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels to beachside cottages, resorts, and vacation rentals. The cost of each of these options ranges from 150 to 500 USD per night.
Notable attractions include the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, Pig Beach, Compass Cay, and the ThunderBall Grotto.
Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, The Bahamas
Grand Bahama Island
Within the Bahamas island range, the Grand Bahama Island is the fourth largest and one of the main islands for the natives. This is where tourists will find the most cultural diversity in the archipelago.
The best way to reach Grand Bahama Island is by taking a short flight from Nassau to the international airport on the island. The island offers stunning beaches, but that’s not all. Explore the underwater caves of Lucayan National Park for a magical experience. Planning to shop for friends and family? Head over to the International Bazaar.
Accommodation on the island is fairly reasonable. There are budget hotels and all-inclusive resorts on the island for 100 to 400 USD per night.
Andros Island
Here’s another literal paradise for fishing lovers. In fact, Andros Island is often dubbed the "bonefishing capital of the world." There is a domestic airport on the island; easiest way to get there is from Nassau.
The main attraction of Andros Island is the abundance of fishing options. There is fishing gear for rent on either an hourly or daily basis. Accommodation options include beachfront resorts and eco-lodges. Accommodation costs start at 100 and go up to 300 USD per night.
Other than fishing, tourists can explore the blue holes, go birdwatching at the Andros West Side National Park, and take boat rides in the island’s mangroves.
Bimini
Bimini is the western end of the Bahamas archipelago. The island is known for its stunning fishing areas as well as its natural coral reefs. The reefs are among the largest in the world, and it is a sight to behold. Flights are available from Nassau. But travelers from the US can get on the routine ferry from Miami to get to Bimini.
Notable activities on Bimini Island include swimming with the dolphins and exploring the Sapona shipwreck. Accommodation in Bimini is also affordable, with prices ranging from 150 to 400 USD per night.
Abaco Island
Abaco Islands specializes in boating and sailing opportunities in the archipelago. There are two ways to get to Abaco Island: either by ferry from Nassau or by flying directly to Marsh Harbour International Airport.
Several accommodation options vary, from rental housing to waterfront resorts. The cost of accommodation will vary between 150 and 400 USD per day. Notable tourist destinations include the candy-colored colonial houses and snorkeling at the Mermaid Reef.
Eleuthera
Remember seeing those pink sand beaches the Bahamas is so famous for? Well, Eleuthera is where all the pink sand beaches of the archipelago are. There are both ferry and airport options to get to Eleuthera from Nassau.
There are several guesthouses and beachfront resorts for accommodation. Prices for accommodation range between 100 to 400 USD per day.
Other than the "unreal" pink beaches, Eleuthera also offers stunning beaches at Harbour Island, a glass window bridge, or a dip in the mesmerizing Ocean Hole.
Cat Island
Cat Island is like a tranquil escapade to the off-the-beaten paths of the Bahamas. Compared to other areas in the archipelago, Cat Island gets comparatively fewer tourists, but that doesn’t make it any less attractive. Getting to Cat Island is fairly simple. Tourists can either directly fly to New Bight Airport or take a ferry ride from Nassau.
Notable areas to explore on Cat Island include the ruins of the Deveaux Plantation, hiking to the top of Mount Alvernia, or basking on the beaches of Greenwood. Accommodation options include beachfront cottages and guesthouses. All of them range between 100 and 300 USD per day.
Long Island
The last on the list is Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island in New York. Rather than the world famous cityscapes of New York, Long Island of the Bahamas is known for its dramatic cliffs, caves, and blue holes.
The best way to get to Long Island is to either directly fly to Stella Maris Airport or Deadman’s Cay Airport from Nassau. There are several family-owned inns on the island, which makes for great accommodation options. Accommodation will cost around 100 to 400 USD, depending on the size of the inn.
Activities on the island include exploring Dean’s blue hole, visiting the Columbus Monument, or snorkeling in the famous Conception Island National Park.
Final Words
The Bahamas is an incredible collection of islands whose beauty can only be perceived with eyes, not words. The archipelago hosts tourists all year round, but summer is when there is the most rush. It is also when tourists can explore the natural beauties of the Bahamas to their fullest.
